Consumer-Related Food Waste from the Perspectives of Selected Demographic Variables

Cheam Chai Li

doi:10.37231/jmtp.2022.3.3.269

Cheam Chai Li Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA Kelantan, 18500 Machang, Kelantan, Malaysia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37231/jmtp.2022.3.3.269

Keywords: Demographics, food waste behaviour, knowledge, covid19, ethics

Abstract

Human reactions to food waste are significant and diverse. A sociodemographic factor whose effects on food waste have received extensive attention in the scientific literature. To reduce consumer-related food waste, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of consumer demographics and factors that affect food waste. In light of this, the primary goal of the study is to understand the issues associated with respondents' demographics (gender, education levels, marital status and residential areas), as well as the consumer food waste key variables (behaviour, ethic, knowledge, Covid19, and festival) using independent t-test and Chi Square. The test of differences revealed significant differences in festival scores between men and women as well as significant ethical differences across educational levels and marital status. On the other hand, a cross-sectional study revealed a relationship between respondents' weekly meal plans and residential areas, but not gender. Because negative externalities occur across the whole food lifecycle and have a detrimental influence on the economy, social, and environment, reducing and preventing food waste is crucial and demands for immediate action. The attempts to reduce per capita global food waste at the consumer level will only be successful with the support and cooperation of consumers themselves, the food industry, and the government. It is hoped that the study's findings, conclusions, and recommendations would provide policymakers with some ideas for developing an effective strategy to raise awareness of food waste and minimize it at consumer level.

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